Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Having been a rescue myself I know what it's like to be held in a shelter.
We count the hours, days and even months until someone -- hopefully-- comes to take us home.
With hope we wait.

What can help pass the time is a new toy.
I know!!
Especially if I can help it make lots of noise.

Recently my pack went through the closet and to our surprise (not) there was an abundance of brand new toys ...
some of which could make a joyous noise.

Knowing that my shelter friends would appreciate these, we went for a drive.
After all, how many toys does one mutt need?

The
Quinte Humane Societywas our destination.
Located in Belleville, Ontario, this is the shelter from where my pack adopted Spanky.

My Mom made the delivery for me.

I would have done it myself but there was an outbreak of kennel cough.
It was best I stay in the car as I have a big road trip coming up.
MEXICO !!!!
As the new year approaches extend a paw and aid your local furry friends.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

A few months ago I was contacted by a gentleman named Davide Ulivieri ofCycle 4 Strays.Davide was interested in the work of the Spanky Project in Cuba.

Cycle 4 Strays Mission Statement:A non competitive fund raising event, Cycle 4 Strays is dedicated to advancing the rights of homeless companion animals in developing nations.By pedaling with no support vehicles, we wish to duplicate the hardships that strays experience on a daily basis throughout their lives, educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the need to be compassionate towards unwanted animals.Our outreach programs refute violent methods of dog and cat population control, promoting spay and neuter instead as the only viable, long term solution to the tragedy of homeless pets.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Dra.Magaly is the Director of the Colon Clinic in Centro Habana.The joint and cooperative efforts of her clinic, Grupo Dulce Maria Loynazand the Spanky Project allows for free sterilization clinics to be held on a near monthly basis.

Colon is one of two (soon to be three) clinics that theSpanky Project is working with.

Cats and dogs arrive in various forms of conveyance.

An important part of the program in Cuba involves education.While the caregivers are waiting materials are provided to expand awarenesson the topic of animal care and welfare.

A history ...

and examination ...

...take place before each procedure.

The procedure is often completed in less than 15 minutes

Once the ear is tattooed all that is left is..

...post op and few zzzzzzzzzzz's

Another campaña completed.

Thanks go to the whole gang for their caring and dedication.Also thanks go to those that have sponsored a spay.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

In her hay day she traveled in limos and flew on corporate jets.She even had the occasion to opened the New York Stock Exchange.It has been reported that some Hipanic watchdogs protested that the commercial promoted stereotype and demanded they be removed from air.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that have delivered needed supplies to Cuba.

Although I haul big bags of supplies every trip...every delivery is important no matter how small.

Flying with Cubana, one can check two bags of 23kg each.With a 46 kg limit...

...you can even carry a gallon of medicated shampoo.

Please give some consideration to setting aside a small portion of you weight allowance to aid the Cubans that are supporting animal welfare.Dogs, cats, horse....Havana, Trinidad, Camagüey and Varadero...I can provide you with convenient drop off locations.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

After a few nights in Queretaro, and a side trip to San Miguel de Allende, we were off to Patzcuaro.Thanks to some great research by Mags we stayed in a wonderful Casa.I highly recommend Casa Encantada. Not only are the accommodations, food and staff great but the operators Cynthia and Victoria give back to the community. One of their projects involves support for a free sterilization clinic for animals.

Through their own efforts and support from AIPA in Monterry Mexico and Summerlee Foundation free sterilizations are available to the locals for their animals.Upon my return to Canada I followed up with Cynthia and Victoria. I hope to be able to assist those helping the “ animalitos” in Patzcuaro.If you find yourself visiting Patzcuaro drop off a donation at Casa Encantada.Leave a little kindness behind before you leave.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Time sure does fly. I was stunned when I realized that it had been over a month between posts.Speaking of flying...During this hiatus I did find myself in Mexico for ten days.During this trip stops were made in Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Pátzcuaro and Mexico City.﻿View Mexico April '09 in a larger map

Our route from Toronto to Mexico City took us through Atlanta'sHartsfield-Jackson International Airport. I have, in the past, been leery about arriving at my destination via connecting flights. We were allotted 55 minutes between our arrival in Atlanta and our onward flight to Mexico City. All went well. Hartsfield-Jackson is a well designed and efficient airport.

Arrival in Mexico City's International Airport Benito Juárez was also smooth. Terminal 2 is new and far superior to the older, drab, tired, etc. Terminal 1.Within 20 minutes we had claimed our bags and the immigration officer was asking me if a 180 day visa was long enough.

Benito Juárez airport contains a bus terminal. We were lucky enough to have our destination town Querétaro served from the airport therefore eliminating the need to go to one of the city's other terminals.Traveling on the Primera Plus bus line, we were at our destination town in just over 3 hours and 256 Pesos (25 Canadian).

Mexico is "tourist" friendly. At the bus terminal there is a booth that sells "taxi tickets".The surrounding area is zoned for fare purposes. You buy your ticket, in our case centro historio, and head for the taxi stand. No haggling ... no fare disputes ... you just decide on the tip.

Our lodging in Querétaro was at Casa Santiago. Carl and Francis, a couple of ex-pat Canadians, purchased rubble and created a fabulous home for themselves along with wonderful guest accommodations.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The dogs and Protectoras of Havana need your help.If you are looking for something small and compact that will havea big impact.

...50 mL. 1% IvomecInjection for Cattle and SwineDosed at a rate of 1/10 cc per lb. this product goes a long way.Ivomec is a brand name ivermectin product.Other brand names include Noramectin and Bimectin.

This product can be purchase online .TSC Stores in the USA and farmers Co-ops in Canada carry these products.You can also check with your veterinarian for a local source.

Ivermectin products are used at free worming sessions.This one was held at the University of Havana garage.The workers take care of a group of dogs that have made the garage a home.

If you can help there are two convenient delivery locations in Havana.The Spanky Project also has contacts in Trinidad and Varadero.

In a period of five years more than 6000 spay / neuters have been provided free to the people of Havana. Those pictured in the above photographs are pioneers in Cuban animal welfare.I am honoured to be a part of this group.

It takes many people to accomplish such a feat...protectoras, vets, vet techs, caring people.

At the gathering in December 2008 Dr.Joe took the time to individually acknowledge the contribution of all those present.Please note that Silvia (2nd from the left in the 2003 photo), a founding member of this group, is no longer in Cuba. At the celebration she was with us in spirit and represented by the happy dog.Here's to 6000 more..... and to all those that have supported these campaigns.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Julio and his wife Rosa operate Casa Colonial Munoz.In addition to being a great host, Julio is a champion for the animals of Trinidad. He has been a great help to the Spanky Project and has created the Diana Project to better the lives of the local horses.Below is the list from Julio. I have added links to where some of these items can be found.

About items I need for the project:-wormers, hoof nails, hoof cleaners and hoof knives are always welcome.

- strong adhesive tape. Those used in American movies for tying up the hostage [read as Duct Tape]. According with the books you brought me are very good for hold the broken leg and cover the hooves for some diseases.